Slate states: "Transportation difficulties are solved by Bactrian camels as they withstand the intense cold remarkably well. " Russian Army camel caravan moving supplies through a snow-covered village during the battle of the Caucasus, in World War 1. Later, they are seen moving across deserted field of snow, with partially pine-covered mountain in background.
Events during World War I. Railroad station in Russian city. Numerous travelers on platform of railroad station. On opposite side of tracks, Russian troops sit on platform waiting for a train.
Events during World War I. A group of Russian officers leaving a building. They return salutes as they reach area where troops are drawn up in an honor guard, holding rifles with fixed bayonets, in salute. The officers enter an open motorcar.
Events during World War I. New Russian Army recruits, holding rifles,are lined up by an officer, who then reports with a salute. In response to commands, the recruits face right; left shoulder arms; and present arms. Military parade shows officers giving salute to troops,on parade, as spectators watch. Field artillery is drawn up in formation in front of log buildings, where people walk on sidewalk. Artillery unit on horseback pulling caissons and field pieces, as spectators watch. Russian machine gunners pose, sitting on ground by their weapons on tripods. Other troops stand around them.
Russian troops unload war materiel from a boat on a river during World War I. They transfer large wooden boxes from the boat to a pier and thence to the shore. Two of the soldiers roll a 55-gallon fuel drum. An officer, standing on the pier, observes the activity.
Referring to Russian operations against German forces in World War 1, Slate reads: "Disaster rapidly followed disaster. The German armies advanced and whole provinces had to be evacuated after 24 hours notice." The film continues with a montage of World War 1 scenes. Mounted British lancers charging across a field. A German gun crew standing by a camouflaged 7.7cm Feldkanone 16 artillery piece. Artillery shell exploding ahead and close to camera during battle. French soldiers charging out of their trench, into no-man's land. Gas shells exploding and gas drifting across a wooded area occupied by Russian soldiers and artillery, some of whom stand silhouetted without gas masks during attack. A hand grenade being thrown by a Scottish soldier. Russian civilians crossing railroad tracks and watching conflagrations from an artillery barrage on buildings in background. Closeups of buildings burning and destroyed by German shelling. Russian refugees leaving area of destroyed and burning buildings.The group includes several Russian soldiers. One, an ambulatory wounded, using an improvised cane, is assisted by a Russian officer and a woman nurse. The ground is partly snow-covered. View of smoke from fire sweeping over a railway line and station. Russian soldiers along with civilians heading away from the embattled areas.